Doctoral Researchers in Generative AI and Software Engineering (3-5 positions) / Väitöskirjatutkij

Tampereen yliopisto; Pirkanmaa; On-site; EUR 60 000 - 80 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading Finnish university is seeking 3-5 Doctoral Researchers in Generative Artificial Intelligence and Software Engineering. Candidates will explore the intersection of Generative AI and Software Engineering, with opportunities for publication and teaching. The role includes a competitive salary starting at €2,714 per month and benefits such as occupational healthcare and flexible working hours.

Benefits

Occupational healthcare

Flexible working hours

Travel support for conferences

Discounts at campus restaurants/cafés

Qualifications

• Applicants must hold a master’s degree or equivalent.
• Strong merits include first-author publications in relevant fields.
• Demonstrated software development experience is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Conduct high-quality research in Generative AI and Software Engineering.
• Publish results in international conferences or journals.
• Assist in teaching and undergraduate supervision.

Skills

Excellent oral and written English communication skills

Ability to work independently

Experience with deep learning frameworks

Education

Master’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Data Science, or Artificial Intelligence

Tools

PyTorch

TensorFlow

GitHub

Job description

We are seeking 3-5 Doctoral Researchers in Generative Artificial Intelligence and Software Engineering for the GPT-Lab at Tampere University. The selected researchers will explore topics at the intersection of Generative AI and Software Engineering, contributing to both theoretical understanding and practical development of AI-enabled software systems.

The positions are located in the Computing Sciences Unit within the Faculty of Information Technology and Communication Sciences. The Unit brings together research and education across all major areas of Information Technology, with expertise in software engineering, machine learning, artificial intelligence, and human-computer interaction to support doctoral studies.

In this position, the candidate is expected to:

• Carry out high-quality research on topics related to Generative AI and Software Engineering.
• Publish/present results in international scientific conferences or journals.
• Complete a doctoral degree, including mandatory study credits required.
• Assist in teaching tasks and undergraduate supervision.
• Participate and contribute to related activities at the GPT-Lab.

The work will be supervised by Professor Pekka Abrahamsson.

REQUIREMENTS

Applicants must hold a master’s degree (or equivalent) in one of the following or closely related fields:

• Computer Science
• Software Engineering
• Data Science
• Artificial Intelligence

Students in the final stages of their master’s degree may also apply, provided they complete their degree by 31 December 2025 and submit proof of completion by that date.

The selected candidates must separately apply for the doctoral study rights at Tampere University. Eligibility requirements for employment and admission to the doctoral programme are distinct, and only candidates who fulfill the doctoral programme’s criteria will receive the study-right.

Read more about admissions and eligibility: Doctoral Programme of Computing and Electrical Engineering.

Language Skills:

• Excellent oral and written English communication skills.

Preferred qualifications (considered strong merits):

• First-author or co-author in peer-reviewed publications in Generative AI, Machine Learning, or Software Engineering.
• Demonstrated software development experience through industrial projects, academic prototypes, or open-source contributions.
• A GitHub/GitLab repository or portfolio showcasing prior work (e.g., code, experiments, prototypes).
• Familiarity with deep learning frameworks (e.g., PyTorch, TensorFlow, Hugging Face).
• Background or interest in: requirements engineering, software testing, software refactoring, or software quality analysis.

Other Skills:

• Ability to work independently and in international, multidisciplinary teams.

WE OFFER

• Opportunity to work in a leading international research environment at Tampere University.
• Access to state-of-the-art facilities and collaboration with world-class researchers.
• Support for career development, including mentoring and participation in international conferences.
• Benefits include occupational healthcare, sports facilities, flexible working hours, staff discounts at campus restaurants/cafés, and travel support for presenting research at major conferences.

Salary and Contract

• The duration of employment is 4 years, corresponding to the target completion time of doctoral studies.
• Employment begins as soon as possible or as agreed.
• Starting salary is €2,714 per month for a doctoral researcher, with later increases based on demonstrated PhD progress, in accordance with the Finnish University Salary System.
• A 6-month trial period applies to all new employees.
• Location: Tampere, Pori, or Seinäjoki.

HOW TO APPLY

Please submit your application through Tampere University’s online recruitment system. Applications must include the following documents in PDF format:

• A motivation letter (max. 1 page).
• A research plan aligned with GPT-Lab mission (max. 1 page).
• Complete CV with contact information (max. 2 pages), including a list of publications (if any).
• Degree certificates and transcripts of records.
• Links to GitHub/GitLab portfolio or evidence of software development experience (if available).

Please name all documents as surname_CV.pdf, surname_letter_of_motivation.pdf, etc. Only applications submitted through the university portal and containing the requested attachments in the instructed format will be considered.

Deadline for applications is October 3, 2025 at 23:59:00 (Finnish time, UTC+3).

Application process

1. Screening: Applications are evaluated against the eligibility criteria.
2. Video Submission: Selected applicants may be invited to submit a short self-recorded video.
3. Technical Task: Top applicants may be asked to complete a role-related task.
4. Interview: Final candidates are interviewed before a selection decision is made.

MORE INFORMATION

For more information about the position, please contact Dr. Muhammad Waseem (Vice-Head of GPT-Lab, Postdoctoral Researcher) by email.

Tampere University reserves the right to not fill the positions or extend the application period, if needed.

About Finland and work locations

Finland is among the most stable, free, and safe countries in the world, with high rankings for social progress and quality of life.

Tampere is a major academic hub in the Nordic countries, offering affordable living, excellent public transport, and easy access to lakes and forests for work–life balance.

Doctoral researchers may also be placed in Seinäjoki or Pori, which offer strong industry links and developing technology sectors. Read more about Finland and Tampere: Visit Finland, Finland.fi, Visit Tampere, City of Seinäjoki, Visit Pori.